UK residents are being urged to memorise three numbers – 159 – which can help protect them from bank account scams. The advice comes from a TikTok user named Caroline who regularly shares tips on spotting fraud.
How the 159 service works
The 159 number was set up by Stop Scams UK in 2021. When you dial it, you are asked which bank you want to be connected to, either by speaking or using your phone keypad. You are then transferred to that bank’s customer service or fraud team, allowing you to check if a previous call was genuine.
Stop Scams UK stated last year that over one million calls had been made using the number since launch. It costs the same as a national rate call, but the organisation is working to make it a universal number like 111 or 999.
Advice from the TikTok video
Caroline explained in her video: “Imagine you get a call from somebody claiming to be from your bank. They know your name, they sound professional, and they tell you that there's suspicious activity on your account.”
She advised: “Instead of panicking, hang up. Wait for the call to disconnect, that's very important, and then dial these three numbers: 159. 159 is a genuine UK service that connects you directly to your bank's customer service or fraud team. This ensures that you're talking to real people, not muppet scammers.”
She added: “So if anybody calls you claiming to be from your bank and claiming there's been suspicious activity on your account, or asking you to move money, or asking you to share security codes or personal information, stop, hang up, and call 159.”
